Tatra offers first public ride in renovated Slovenska Strela
The unique car was manufactured in 1936 for the then Czechoslovak State Railways.
In May, the public will have the first opportunity to ride the M290.002 motor car after last year’s refurbishment. Tatra Trucks has released tickets for two special rides; these will take place on May 6.
People can take the train from Koprivnice to Ostrava-stred and back. Tatra will offer two rides on the day; the price is CZK 3,990 (EUR 164). In Ostrava, passengers will enjoy refreshments and a tour of the Moravian-Silesian Railway Museum; they can also participate in a discussion with the restorer and head of renovation of the national cultural heritage M290.002.
The number of seats on the train is limited to 45 people, no food or drinks are allowed on board. Tatra has made several trips since last year’s premiere; these have always been invitation-only events.
Tatra introduced Slovenska Strela for the first time in May last year after extensive renovations. The unique car was manufactured in 1936 for the then Czechoslovak State Railways. The refurbishment began in August 2018. The car has a unique electromechanical power transmission which allows the train to be mainly electrically driven, with mechanical transmission being engaged as the speed increases.
The trains reached speeds of up to 130 kilometers per hour. The railways used to deploy them on the Bratislava–Prague route, the designation Slovenská strela still remains in the timetable. During the war the cars did not run due to lack of fuel, they were later used for government and ministerial journeys.
One of the cars burned down, the other one was taken to the Tatra company museum. After years of decay, Tatra decided to save it. The renovation, including the construction of a depository, amounted to CZK 118 million, of which almost CZK 80 million was financed by the European Union. The rest was provided by Tatra Trucks.